databases for Mac

[RainDog]

I've had to learn Access for Windows at work, but I just hate pcs. I'm also not the greatest access user, even tho I did learn how to create dbs with it... pcs annoy me. I definitely cannot stand the new office interface.

soooo, I want to create a custom database with relational functions via mac and wonder who likes what. I've heard good things about MySQL, but I also know Mac has some sort of db package... the name escapes me now.

I've been looking at linked computers for windows for my own side work project, but I don't know if I could stand using windows... even tho one package I found was 10% of the original cost (a biz that is selling off its equipment.)

Does anyone here have small biz experience with linked macs using SQL? Does anyone here have a favorite place for used macs?

[davidwparker]

1. FileMaker

http://www.filemaker.com/

If that doesn't work for you, try Sybase, Oracle, Frontbase. I've messed around with these 3 at times in the past. The Oracle version was a developer version.

[flashl]

2. MySQL

It is stable with a large user base willing to provide help. On the MAC mysql may be administered using phpmyadmin or mysqlcc, administrative functions from pc using winmysql, mysqlcc, and many other gui interfaces.

[Omphaloskepsis]

3. cocoamysql

http://cocoamysql.sourceforge.net/ also works well as a front-end for MySQL.

[FreeState]

4. Bento is new from filmaker as well

its for very basic databases and has limited functions but it works great IMO. I use it for recipes etc.

http://www.filemaker.com/products/bento/features.html

[htuttle]

5. Which database depends on your precise usage needs...and how much of a geek you are

You can easily run DB servers like PostgreSQL, MySQL, PrimeBase and various NeXT-originated ones like OpenBase all the way up to Oracle and Sybase on OSX. You need to be a bit more of an SQL hand to administer those than you would be with Access, but they aren't that hard to deal with.

There's also a database component built into NeoOffice (free) that looks and acts a lot like Access. I think it uses the java-based hsqldb as the database engine.

Or you could go with something lighter weight and more friendly like FileMaker or even 4D.